Looking for the best window coverings for French doors? Want to highlight your French doors, not simply cover them for light control and privacy? Roman shades, roller shades, cellular shades, solar shades, and shutters are easy to use, functional window coverings, adorning your classic French door with a modern twist.
With their ornate, pleated fold, Roman shades create a soft layered look, adding warmth and delicacy to your French doors. Cellular shades provide excellent insulation without restricting the door handle. Solar shades are made of sheer sun-blocking fabrics, adding to the UV control and aesthetics of your French doors. Shutters are a durable option for French doors.
Your French doors need window treatments that have been especially designed according to the style and function of such doors. For example, functional window coverings for French doors should be able to move up and down and side to side, without obstructing the opening and closing of the door.
Scroll on to learn about the 8 best window treatments for French doors.
8 Best French Door Window Treatments
Roman shades and roller shades are two examples of horizontal window treatments that can be raised, lowered, and adjusted. Just make sure to consider how these window coverings will be mounted on the French doors and the window itself. You’ll most likely need to have the corners rounded to accommodate the mounting process.
Also, best window treatments for French doors should be multi-functional, easy to install, convenient to operate, and quick to clean.
1. Roman Shades
If you’re planning to install Roman shades as the best window treatments for French doors, there are a few things you should consider before you purchase them. French doors are usually made of metal, so hanging curtains on them can be difficult. The shades should be long enough to cover the entire door. Magnetic curtain hooks are a better option than screw eyes to make it easier to hang. Also, be sure to measure the height of your doors before ordering your shades.
There are several styles of Roman shades to choose from for French doors. The first type is flat Roman shades, which feature a uniform, clean surface when closed and a stacked accordion look when opened. The Greek key and banded styles have a tape trim that contrasts the primary fabric. They can also have different patterns and tones. You should choose one of these styles based on the overall look of the room.
Another option for Roman shades for French doors is woven wood. Woven wood shades are made of woven wood and are often eco-friendly. These shades can also be made from eco-friendly materials such as hemp and cotton.
Pros
- Roman shades are one of the most beautiful, easy to use, and durable window coverings for French doors.
- They provide privacy and light blocking benefits, and are a good choice for French doors that face the outdoors.
- The soft fold and flat styles of Roman shades are a classic choice for French doors that add subtle structure to a room.
Cons
- If you use strings in Roman shades, they can be hazardous for your kids and your pets.
- They are unsuitable for watery places, as they can build up moisture.
2. Roller Shades
A roller shade is another option for French doors. These shades can either be inside or outside the home and can be operated manually or motorized. A motorized version of roller shades is also available in both cases. Both types will block the sun’s glare and keep it out. Vertical orientations are also possible. Your best window coverings for French doors can be made to match your home’s decor, regardless of the orientation of your French doors.
Pros
- Sleek, smart design.
- Won’t cause restriction in the opening and closing of the French door.
- Come with lots of opacity levels, ranging from sheer and light filtering to room darkening and total blackout.
Cons
- May flap if the French door is left open.
- You’ll need to raise the blind to access the handle of the door.
- Roller shades can only be made as wide as the roll of the fabric from which they are cut.
3. Solar Shades for French Doors
If you are considering installing solar shades on your French doors, you should consider different kinds that are available. These shades can be used inside or outside your home. You can even purchase a solar shade that fits between the glass and molding. To determine the size of the shade, measure the width beyond the glass and the top or bottom measurements of your window.
Pros
- Solar shades can help block ultraviolet rays, while still allowing the soft light to enter through the French door.
- Will protect your furniture, paintings, and wooden floors from fading.
- They provide complete daytime privacy.
Cons
- They are not a great option for night-time privacy.
- Not suitable for total blackout.
4. Sheer Panels
To dress up French doors, consider installing sheer panels and sheer curtains. They add romance and warmth to the space. This window treatment for French doors is a classic and elegant option.
If you choose to hang sheers over French doors, remember to match the curtains with your interior color scheme. To protect your privacy, make sure your doors face the public with heavier curtains. To dress up the look of your French doors, don’t make your curtains the same width as the windows. Otherwise, they’ll leave a gap in the window coverage and can give a room an unfinished look.
Pros
- Sheer panels elevate the decorative appeal of French doors, while letting in lots of light.
- These materials are commonly available in up to 72-inch widths and are perfect for dressing up French door windows.
- They provide privacy and light filtering properties, but do not obstruct the view to the outside.
- To make these windows look even more stunning, try layering curtains and sheers.
- For best results, you can use colors and patterns that complement each other and the French doors in your home.
Cons
- Poor light control
- Poor energy efficiency.
5. Blinds and Curtains
Blinds and curtains are also popular window treatments for French doors. You can choose a rustic look if you prefer contemporary homes. This versatile solution is suitable for both traditional and contemporary decorating schemes.
Pros
- They provide privacy while filtering light and adding to the decorative appeal of your French door.
- This classic and elegant method of dressing French doors offers multiple options for controlling lighting and coordinating fabrics.
- Light colored fabrics add softness to your French doors.
Cons
- May obstruct the operation of French doors.
- Long curtains can easily get messy.
6. Drapery
A French door with a glass window looks great with a floor-length drapery. You can hang the drapery from a traverse rod above the door, making sure that it doesn’t interfere with the functionality of the door while open. If you intend to hang draperies in a coordinated color, make sure you choose a lining that matches the rest.
The door’s top is usually visible. However, you can make it look more softened by hanging sheer voile fabric. Sheer voile is semi-translucent and shimmers, reducing the amount of light entering the room. It can be hung directly in front of your door or placed between parallel rods. Sheer voile can’t be opened, but it looks elegant and sophisticated. In addition, a rod-pocket curtain can help you create a softer look.
To create a soft yet striking effect, the designers use large span rods to hang the draperies above the transoms. To add interest, the draperies have tassels hanging from their bottoms. The fabric is the same color as the ceiling beams, and the pleats pull it down.
Pros
- Pairs of floor-length draperies are one of the best window treatments for French doors.
- Provide better light control
- Easy to put up on the French doors.
Cons
- They take up too much space.
- A drapery can easily get dirty.
7. Shutters
Plantation shutters are also one of the best window treatments for French doors. They are a beautiful way to decorate your home. They can be used as both an entrance and a French window. Shutters for French doors provide privacy inside and block out the natural light outside. The shutters come in a variety of materials and prices, and you can choose one that suits your tastes and budget. You can even add a personal touch by creating a unique look and feel with the shutters that will complement your decor and style.
These shutters can be custom-framed and have louvers that block heat and light. Real wood acts as insulation to keep heat out and block light. As one of the best window treatments for French doors, shutters protect your home from harmful UV rays. Window treatments can reduce energy loss by up to 40%. Plantation shutters can also reduce this energy loss by allowing fresh air to flow through the home. They are also beautiful.
Pros
- Shutters can be used to add style and privacy to your glass doors.
- They look great with white interior trim and complement a cottage or beach-style interior.
- You can choose shutters that cover just the glass part of your French doors for a more classic look.
- Shutters that only cover the glass part of your French doors will preserve their original appearance and add a unique decorative touch to any room.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other types of French door window treatments.
- Sufficiently reduce the visibility of outdoors.
8. Cellular Shades – One of the Best Window Treatments for French Doors
Cellular shades are a popular option for covering French doors. They have a honeycomb design with a small headrail so that the shade doesn’t block the door handle. These window coverings come in a variety of styles, including light filtering and room darkening. Top-down shades, on the other hand, allow you to open the top half of the door while still allowing light to pass through.
When choosing the best window treatments for your French doors, make sure to choose one with an opacity rating above 80%.
Pros
- Solar shades are a great choice as they can be made opaque or translucent and can block out heat and UV rays.
- Solar shades are also more privacy-friendly than other window treatments.
- As one of the best window treatments for French doors, cellular shades are also available cordless, so they do not require dangling cords.
Cons
- Not as sturdy as shutters.
- Honeycomb cells can collect dirt and stain over time, causing difficulty in cleaning.
Solar Shades vs Roller Shades for French Doors
The way they work is what makes solar shades and roller shades different. Roller shades are designed to only block visible light while solar shades work to control both heat and light on the French doors. You can mix solar shades with roller shades to achieve the layered look and added functionality on French doors. They can also be used with smart home automation systems. Solar shades are a great choice for homes with open-concept design. Before you buy a solar shade, make sure to consider the benefits.
How to Install Best Window Treatments on French Doors to Ensure Accurate Fit & Look
If you are interested in installing your best window treatments for French doors, you can install them by following the steps below:
Step 1: Measure the height and width of your French doors before buying Roman shades, rollers shades, or any other window covering. Tall windows require special measurements, so it is a good idea to hire a professional to measure them. They can accurately measure your French doors and make sure the window treatment fits securely. You can also ask them to measure your windows, as solar shades are taller and have multiple layers.
Step 2: Install mounting brackets and secure them with screws.
Step 3: Snap the headrails of the French door window treatments into the brackets.
Step 4: Test operation and make amends, if necessary.
FAQs
Are Roman shades good for French doors?
Yes, Roman shades are a good choice for French doors, as their soft folds pair well with the clean lines of the doors. Plus, the fabric fits nicely behind the door handles, thanks to the flat construction of Roman shades.
What type of blind is best for French doors?
Shallow blinds with a smart, compact design are ideal for French doors, as they are easy to use without restricting access to the door handles. Honeycomb blinds and roller shades are also practical window treatments for French doors, as they easily fit behind the door handles.
What is the most energy efficient window shade?
Insulated honeycomb cellular shades are the most energy efficient window shades, as they typically have the highest R-values of all window treatments – more than 5. They have a pocketed, air-trapping structure, which acts as an excellent insulation against the transfer of heat and cold through the French door.
What kind of curtains do you put on French doors?
Crisp Roman curtains are a great option for French doors. To add a little flair to your French door, choose plain, white fabric, with a ribbon of blue trim running down each side. At the bottom, tie the curtains with the chair upholstery.
How to cover a window on French doors?
Sleek, stylish, and child-safe roller blinds are a great option to cover a window on French doors. They provide softly filtered light and privacy. Choose moisture and stain-resistant roll-up fabrics to make cleaning easy.
What kind of window treatments does Joanna Gaines use?
Joanna Gaines uses beautifully patterned family room window treatments, drapes, and blinds to demonstrate her interior designs for clients. She also prefers these window treatments for their ability to provide privacy, UV blocking, heat and light control, and other aesthetic and functional benefits.
Need More Help?
Still undecided about the best French door window treatments? Get in touch for free consultation! Use 24/7 live chat or give us a call at (800) 863-6109 to contact our experts for DIY solutions for covering French doors.
